Science Communication Principles

Please visit our discussion forum to contribute and learn about the principles of effective science communication.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

Synthesis	Visualization	Context

Science communication principles Synthesis, visualization & context are equally important Relate to audience - big picture to local relevance Prepare for and invite questions Simplified writing style; reduce jargon Simplify terms but not content Define all terms Minimal/zero use of acronyms Consistent style and format Judicious use of color Self contained units (maps, diagrams, etc. have enough legend to comprehend alone)

Standard conceptual diagram accompanied by 2 pages of text		Self contained conceptual diagram with figure legend explaining key processes
KEY FEATURES FOR NEWSLETTERS & BOOKS = LAYOUT DESIGN (NOT TEXT SPRINKLED WITH ILLUSTRATIONS)
COMPARING SCIENCE WRITING TO SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Science Writing Getting it right Providing scientific context (references) Text > graphics Peer audience Mostly black & white Authorship exclusive Focus on results and interpretation		Science Communication Getting it done Providing societal context (examples) Text ~ graphics Broader audience Full color Authorship inclusive Focus on conclusions and recommendations
WHAT WOULD YOU RATHER READ? IAN SCIENCE COMMUNICATION PRODUCTS IAN specializes in producing content rich / jargon free publications using a variety of visualization techniques including conceptual diagrams to produce a range of science communication products. These are the latest product in each publication type and link to the page containing all of those publications.
Newsletters Newsletters produced through IAN provide a vehicle for direct expression of a scientific perspective on coastal management issues. They synthesize scientific findings and therefore augment, not replace, various other science communication activities. You can susbcribe to our newsletter and email subscription service to receive notification of new newsletters (via our enewsletters), and/or have hardcopies mailed to you. Fact Sheets Fact Sheets produced through IAN will provide information aimed at a public audience. These fact sheets will augment, not replace, various other science communication activities. Posters IAN produces posters designed for scientific meetings as well as posters for public education of environmental issues. These posters are: A vehicle for communicating coastal management issues Designed to augment, not replace other communications (e.g., peer reviewed papers) Contain conceptual diagrams and other graphical tools for portraying ecosystem processes Presentations IAN will continue to produce a variety of presentations for scientific, government and public audiences. All presentations are downloadable in PDF format by clicking on the thumbnails. These presentations will focus on synthesizing data, information and knowledge into methods that can be used for problem solving. There will be a strong emphasis on the use of conceptual diagrams to relay our current understanding of various ecosystem processes and the issues affecting ecosystem health. Reports The issues which these reports address include important environmental issues for coastal regions, particularly Chesapeake Bay and incorporate many of the science communication tools presented on this website. All reports are available as a PDF by clicking on the PDF icon pdf icon next to the report. These reports are: A vehicle for communicating coastal management issues Designed to augment, not replace other communications (e.g., peer reviewed papers) Contain conceptual diagrams and other graphical tools for portraying ecosystem processes Books Books produced by IAN will utilize science communication principles: All terms defined Minimal/zero use of acronyms Consistent style and format Judicious use of color Self contained units (maps, diagrams, etc. have enough legend to comprehend alone) Simplified writing style